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Olivier Messiaen

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aemit

aemit

Wim
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Jan 20, 2022
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Nijlen, Belgium
On request :-)

I was stunned when I discovered this interpretation of this work on accordion.
It is originally written as an organ piece for a large organ with many registers and many tone colors, and requiring 3 manuals and pedals.
I find it incredible how these colors emerge from the accordion, it opened a complete new perspective on the work for me, a work I am quite familiar with, having 3 versions for organ of it on CD and having heard perform it a few times.
Part of the tonal colors has probably to do with the long reverberation time of the church where this was recorded, and I think that Nyzhnyk was well aware of that and has used it for the better.

 
Well Wim, I listened to the recording for 3 minutes. I stopped, scratched my head then fast forwarded to 29 minutes. I couldn't hear anything, and I realised the accordionist was wiping his face with a handkerchief. I watched him prepare for battle. I looked around for my handkerchief, but I could not find one, so I threw in the towel instead. :)

Joking aside - this is above my pay grade.
 
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I completely understand you, Walker, this is not music for the uninitiated.
The first time I heard about Messiaen (and Gubaidulina, Ligeti, Kagel and a few others) was about 30 years ago.
Dutch television did a famous series about contemporary composers called "Toonmeesters", literally translated as tone masters.
I was fascinated by the new sounds and compositions presented in there.
And my experience with music goes further back than 1992, I got into contact with electronic and contemporary music and arts in 1978, but that is another and long story to tell, maybe with a good glass of single malt :)
 
Walker said:
Joking aside - this is above my pay grade.
Click to expand...
This probably isn't the best introduction to Messaien!!! 'La Nativite' makes most sense in the context of the bible passage on which each movement is based. Can I suggest something more pagan to get you going.

This could be music for a Western! Listen to first 45 secs and then from 7.15 before delving into the middle!
 
Messaien is also interesting for the accordion as he was in the same place at the same time as a lot of the Parisian accordion waltz etc. composers. Can't help but think he was influenced by a bit of their sense of fun and outright schmaltz. There is so much warmth and fun in the Turangalila Symphony.
 
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